Isaias Crow

What is your name and your current occupation?My name is Isaias Crow, I currently work for myself, I am a visual storyteller using a diversity of mediums.

What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?

Working at a telemarketing company. It was crazy because you needed to get into character as if you are going to act in a play or film. I created so many characters to sell the services we offered over the phone, the character of choice depended on who I was speaking to on the other line. Now you know, when a telemarketer or bill collector calls you, just remember, they need act in order for you to budge into paying, so don’t take it personal. 🙂

What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of?

After finishing art school, I realized how many people can’t afford to pay such expensive tuition fees so I gathered some of my closest friends and associates and created The Prizm Process, which its purpose was to create civic engagement via the arts and culture. We offered free multi-disciplinary art workshops in diverse and multi-cultural communities. One of our most successful projects was La Entrada Project.

How did you become interested in animation?

Since I was a kid, I would always watch Saturday morning cartoons, yet my interest for animation reignited when I went to an art school to learn more about graphic design and the use of computers. I then saw some animation student work being displayed, that same day I changed course. Its the “movement” that got me.

Where are you from and how did you get into the animation business?

I was born and raised in El Paso, TX and Juarez, MX. I got into the animation business through graffiti. I wanted to see my letters and characters move.

What’s a typical day like for you with regards to your job?

Wake up, shower, then either take a walk and go bird watching or get straight into my work or ? just depends what it is I’m feeling and what it is that is aligning at a greater level, whenever this happens, I just flow with it. I’ve learned that when I allow and accept what is coming through my work just gets that much more potent once I get to it. Its as if whatever I experience at that moment is an answer or meant to be a part of the work I am currently producing.

What part of your job do you like best? Why?

That I start a different project once I finish the last one. I truly enjoy using a variety of mediums, tools and meeting different people from different walks of life because they are the ones that are hiring me to do this multi-sensory and multi-faceted work.

What part of your job do you like least? Why?

I like it all, at any moment I am feeling tired or cranky, I stop no matter what and go for one of my walks or just lay down on the floor and chill. I make sure that I am only offering and integrating positive vibes and high frequencies into my work.

What is the most difficult part for you about being in the business?

Accounting. Wow, that part has been interesting because I just have too much desire, I want to help and give and assist in change, plus my passion for buying action figures and comic books. lol

What kind of technology do you work with on a daily basis?

Wacom Tablet, Photoshop and After Effects at times Illustrator.

In your travels, have you had any brushes with animation greatness?

I can’t say that I have…. I think its time for me to travel though.

Describe a tough situation you had in life.

Acceptance. Acceptance of myself and others. I realized I was the situation of my life, I was always battling myself

trying to change myself into something I was not. Trying to change my friends and family instead of allowing for them to be.

Any side projects or you’re working on or hobbies you’d like to share details of?

Yes, I’m having a solo exhibit at Thumbprint Gallery in San Diego CA. titled “From: Conception To: Illumination”. Its a visual journey of my life’s timeline from conception to now via story-boards, sculptures and paintings. The aim is to then gather the all the story boards and concepts to then animate this wild journey of mine in due time…lol.

Any unusual talents or hobbies like tying a cherry stem with your tongue or metallurgy?

No, nothing unusual…hhmmmm…I wonder if…

Is there any advice you can give for an aspiring animation student or artist trying to break into the business?

Inquire and observe from within, balance living and working according to you and network. Truly network, as in listen and share your voice, not just talking 100 miles per minute to express a rehearsed thought. Listen, you’ll be surprised.